Chapter 10
Everything had gone exactly according to plan.
Natalie’s plan went like this:
Fire-type monsters would appear in large numbers.
The Duke of Ailsden and his people — knights and servants — would panic when the monsters didn’t fall even to the light aura.
Then Roger Crawford would appear, defeat the monsters, and save Ailsden.
“He saved me from the burning mansion by chance, but that just makes it a perfect version of the event.”
Natalie was thrilled — it was a perfect success.
Roger Crawford appeared at the perfect timing, wiped out the monsters, and even caught her safely without a scratch.
And best of all, no one died.
Still held in Roger’s arms, Natalie quickly looked around.
All the fire monsters had been defeated. The mansion, which had been burning like hell itself, was now covered in water and completely extinguished.
Some parts of the roof and the top floor — like her own room — had collapsed, but the rest was only scorched a little.
Roger had appeared just in time and didn’t recklessly blast the mansion with full force.
As she asked him, he controlled water with amazing precision, using great power without destroying the house.
“Thank you for keeping your promise. It was perfect.”
“It wasn’t a promise, it was a deal. I only did my part.”
Roger replied calmly, then added,
“It all went as you said. I apologize for doubting you.”
He didn’t even look proud after such an achievement. As expected of the male lead, Natalie thought proudly.
She looked up at him with admiration. Then Roger suddenly said,
“I’d rather you not look at me like that.”
“Hm? Why not?”
Maybe he hates getting attention from women unless they’re his lover? she thought.
Just as she was trying to make sense of it, Roger motioned with his chin.
“Because someone’s glaring like they want to kill me.”
Natalie turned her head — and saw two pairs of red eyes staring at her.
“Ugh! Brother, I was so, so scared…!”
First — Anatol, holding a soot-covered and crying Sharon.
Second — the Duke of Ailsden, riding his white horse toward them, having stopped abruptly.
Both men looked shocked and furious, not even glancing at the crying Sharon.
Natalie realized that her dramatic leap from the balcony might have looked a bit reckless.
Still, I’m alive, so what’s the problem? she thought.
But their expressions said otherwise.
She blinked, looking between the two angry men. Their faces grew even darker as they approached.
Hmm.
Anatol was probably annoyed because she caused trouble again. Natalie glanced away indifferently.
The Duke, as usual, was unreadable — his expression cold and distant as always.
So typical it was almost boring.
As expected, she thought and was about to look away — when she noticed something strange.
The Duke’s red eyes moved between her empty arms and Roger’s arm wrapped tightly around her.
Not once, but twice — as if comparing them.
…Is that disappointment?
What?
Startled by her own thought, Natalie stared at her father.
The Duke’s eyes carefully examined her, confirming she was unhurt.
Then, silently, his cold red eyes lifted to meet Roger’s icy silver ones.
“Lord Crawford.”
“Duke Ailsden.”
Their equally cold voices met in the air.
Roger simply responded out of respect for an elder — calm and emotionless.
But the Duke wasn’t calm.
“Before I formally thank you for your help, I would like you to return my daughter.”
What kind of father says it like that?!
Natalie’s mouth fell open.
His tone sounded as if Roger had kidnapped her.
Wait… is he upset because I jumped and got caught by Roger instead of him?
No way. She immediately denied the ridiculous thought.
Her father was always cold — he wouldn’t care. Maybe if it were Sharon, whom he actually spent time with.
But for her, the troublemaker daughter? Never.
Still, just then—
“Natalie Ailsden.”
The Duke called her in his usual, calm tone.
Still in Roger’s arms, Natalie blinked dumbly.
By now, Anatol had handed Sharon to the servants and stood beside their father.
Her only two family members were both facing her.
“Natalie.”
When she didn’t answer, the Duke called again, his tone slightly pressing.
“…Yes?”
Both pairs of red eyes glared — one stern and mature, the other fiery with emotion.
So it wasn’t Natalie they were ready to kill…
“It’s him. Come here.”
…it was Roger Crawford.
The Duke stretched out his arm toward her. Natalie was at a loss for words.
The Ailsden Duke’s second drawing room.
Thankfully, the west wing had little damage, unlike the east.
Only Sharon’s room at the top floor had partially collapsed from the fire.
“We are deeply grateful for your timely help, my lord.”
“I only did what was necessary.”
Clink.
Sigh…
Natalie sat between the two men, awkwardly sipping tea.
The conversation was polite but cold as ice — it felt like sitting on a chair made of icicles.
Who talks this stiffly?
Just a while ago — when the Duke demanded his daughter back, Roger had looked at Natalie.
He had only come because of their deal, after all.
— It’s improper for a man to touch a noble lady like that!
Anatol had shouted angrily, teeth clenched.
The Duke said nothing but clearly agreed.
Natalie, embarrassed, quickly stepped out of Roger’s arms.
— It’s fine. I can walk myself.
— Natalie!
— Lord Crawford, thank you so much for saving me. Father, shall we move to the parlor?
Anatol and the Duke flinched at her calm tone, but Natalie ignored them and led Roger to the drawing room.
Roger followed without expression.
That’s how the Duke of Ailsden and Lord Crawford ended up sitting together.
Anatol went to calm Sharon, who wouldn’t stop crying.
After changing clothes, Natalie returned and sipped her tea, glancing at her father.
The Duke had wanted to meet Roger in his office, but she insisted on the parlor — this was her situation to handle.
“The cause of this incident must be reported to His Majesty at once,” the Duke said. “It’s clear your assistance was invaluable to our house.”
Yes, that’s it — the words she was waiting for.
“…We should consider how to properly reward you.”
Finally.
Among nobles, if the helper was of lower rank, a monetary reward was normal.
But between two high-ranking houses like Ailsden and Crawford, it was usually a chance to form a closer alliance.
If the Duke made a formal offer, Roger should politely refuse — and that would end the matter nicely.
But instead—
“I don’t think a reward is necessary… but I won’t refuse it either.”
Roger said smoothly, as if he didn’t think it was too much at all.
He was just following the script Natalie had given him — but to others, it sounded like he was already expecting something in return.
